Wolf and Shepherd

The quintessential man of God is the shepherd.

If you see yourself as the lone wolf, then you are not serving God. You are simply a predator totally wrapped up in this world’s ways. You will receive only a wolf’s limited blessings, and you cannot inherit His Covenant provision.

When you are young and lacking in responsibilities, playing at the wolf can be okay. Do it with excellence. Thin the herd; target the truly sick and dangerous, the ones whose DNA must not pass into the flock. But wolves are just rowdy boys. Eventually you must grow up and take the responsibilities of the shepherd. (Side note: There is no such thing as a “lone wolf”; they have always been pack animals.)

Shepherds understand the role of wolves better than wolves do. Over and over again: God’s men are shepherds. They embrace the responsibility for building a covering over others. They knowingly lead; it doesn’t matter the areas of life at which they excel in His service. The pastoral care is the thing. They are good stewards of His treasure, and His treasure are people.

This brings into play a whole host of thinking and teaching about dealing with people who need mercy, who need a path to divine grace. In essence you cannot reject anyone who seeks your covering. The tension between what you are willing to put up with versus what you inevitably wind up with is for your edification.

Yes, you will always have people around you don’t belong in your domain. Some will be so disruptive that you must expel them. Do so with grace and mercy. Still, you must assume initially that everyone you encounter is sent from God. That you learn to filter out the aliens is part of the training effect, for you and them.

Tolerance and patience are major trademarks of God’s shepherds. Pursue the lost sheep, again and again. Keep providing and guiding them to good pasture and water. Keep an eye out for threats they cannot see, and may never see. They are your kingdom treasure, a trust held from God.